Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus)

Scientific name: Zanclus cornutus Linnaeus, 1758

The Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus) is a marine fish of the family Zanclidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F).

Moorish idol care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines: 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays: 39-43; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 31 - 37. Strongly compressed discoid body. Tubular snout with a small mouth containing numerous elongate bristle-like teeth. Dorsal spines elongated into a whip-like filament.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Zanclus cornutus
Family: Zanclidae (Moorish idol)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 23.0
Common length: 21.0
Depth range: 3–182 m (10–597 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 182 m, usually 5 - 182 m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Rapa and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to the Lord Howe Island. Eastern Pacific: southern Gulf of California to Peru.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; aquarium: commercial